Conditions A-Z - Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure. In some cases, no disease is evident. Pelvic pain can be categorized as either acute, meaning the pain is sudden and severe, or chronic, meaning the pain either comes and goes or is constant, lasting over a period of months or longer. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pelvic pain lasting longer than six months and showing no improvement with treatment is known as chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic pain may originate in genital or other organs in and around the pelvis, or it may be psychological, which can make pain feel worse or actually cause a sensation of pain, when no physical problem is present.

Additional information about the timing of the pain and the presence of other symptoms related to activities, such as eating, sleeping, sexual activity, and movement can also help your health care provider in determining a diagnosis.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical and pelvic examination, diagnostic procedures for pelvic pain may include:

Blood tests

Pregnancy test

Urinalysis

Culture of cells from the cervix

Ultrasound. A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

Computed tomography (CT). A noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray.

Laparoscopy.A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic area, the doctor can determine the locations, extent, and size of the endometrial growths.

Colonoscopy.A procedure that allows the doctor to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the doctor to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.

Sigmoidoscopy.A diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inside of a portion of the large intestine, and is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the intestine through the rectum. The scope blows air into the intestine to inflate it and make viewing the inside easier.

What is the treatment for pelvic pain?

Specific treatment for pelvic pain will be determined by your health care provider based on:

Your overall health and medical history

Extent of condition

Cause of the condition

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the condition

Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

Antibiotic medications

Anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications

Relaxation exercises

Oral contraceptives (ovulation inhibitors)

Surgery

Physical therapy

If a physical cause cannot be found, pelvic pain may be diagnosed as a psychological defense or coping mechanism for some type of trauma. In some cases, psychotherapy is recommended. In other cases, health care providers may recommend a multidisciplinary treatment using a number of different approaches, including nutritional modifications, environmental changes, physical therapy, and pain management.